RFUW Championship South One Saracens II 0 OA Saints 27 AFTER a number of weeks off due to snow and a league break OA Saints were back in action this weekend. The Saints headed to local rivals Saracens for what is usually a hotly contested match, determine

RFUW Championship South One

Saracens II 0 OA Saints 27

AFTER a number of weeks off due to snow and a league break OA Saints were back in action this weekend. The Saints headed to local rivals Saracens for what is usually a hotly contested match, determined to beat the only team this season who have turned them over.

The Saints' determination was apparent from the kick off instantly putting pressure on the home team by camping in the 22. Drive after drive was denied and a rolling maul stopped short by a determined Saracens defence.

The Saints did not come away empty handed when a penalty was awarded and slotted through the posts by centre Sarah McKenna. The Saints were denied two more tries one deemed 'held up' the other scored from off side but the momentum was all in the Saints favour. Strong running from the forwards gave great attacking opportunities to the backs allowing full-back Megan Williams to cut a great line through the defence running in from 20 metres out. McKenna converted giving the Saints a 10-0 lead at half time.

The second half started in much the same vein with a try from McKenna, quickly running round the last defender to score under the posts allowing her to collect the extras.

Great defensive work from the forwards resulted in turned over possession in the mid field enabling fly-half Tamsin Openshaw to score a great try running in after centre Simone Sheppard had drawn the last defender.

Saracens fought back using their bigger pack to their advantage with numerous rolling mauls from the lineout. When Saints lost lock Ryan to the sin bin for a rather dubious 'collapsing a maul' Saracens looked to capitalise.

Great defensive lineout work from flanker Caroline Rees and strong scrummaging from all the forwards denied Saracens points despite a relentless 10 minutes of pressure.

Once out of the danger zone Saints settled and worked themselves back into the Saracens half with a final try from winger Kate Barnes.

Saints had laid the early season's demon to rest and maintained their significant lead at the top of the league with only three matches left.

Saints: Williams, Barnes, McKenna, Sheppard, Allcorn, Openshaw; Chandler, Brannon, Pretty, Ryan, Knighton, Clarke, Rees, Botterman. Reps: Fuggles, Thomas, German.